Dive into a culinary delight with our Platter Cobb Salad featuring juicy vinegar brined chicken! This vibrant dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a fresh weeknight dinner, this salad combines crisp romaine, creamy avocado, and savory bacon, all topped with perfectly grilled chicken. Ready to impress your family and friends? Read on to discover how to create this delicious masterpiece in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, brined and cooked
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Start by preparing the vinegar brine for the chicken. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of water with 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the brine over the chicken. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- After brining, remove the chicken from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the brine. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the salad. In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce as the base.
- Top the lettuce with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, crumbled bacon, and blue cheese, distributing them evenly across the salad.
- Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips and arrange it on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad, or serve it on the side for individual portions.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients, or serve it as a platter for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Platter Cobb Salad with Vinegar Brined Chicken!
Tips
- Brining is Key: For the most flavorful chicken, allow it to brine for the full 2 hours if time permits. This will ensure the meat is juicy and packed with flavor.
- Grill or Sear: Whether you choose to grill or use a skillet, make sure your cooking surface is preheated to achieve a nice sear on the chicken, enhancing its taste and texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients you can find, especially the romaine lettuce and avocado, to elevate the overall taste of the salad.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add your favorite toppings! Consider adding hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, or even a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch.
- Presentation Matters: For a stunning presentation, layer the ingredients in a large platter instead of mixing them all together. This not only looks beautiful but also allows guests to customize their servings.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the brine and chop the salad ingredients ahead of time. Just grill the chicken and toss everything together right before serving for a fresh experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
